Caring for Elderly Pets: How to Help Dogs and Cats Live Well in Their Final Years
Kind, thoughtful advice to support your pet in later life
Watching your pet grow older is a beautiful, bittersweet journey. The face may go grey, the steps a little slower—but the bond deepens. As your dog or cat enters their senior years, your care becomes more important than ever.
With some simple adjustments, awareness, and compassion, you can help your elderly pet live with comfort, dignity, and joy, right to the very end.
1. Understand What “Old Age” Means for Pets
Ageing affects every pet differently. Some remain active and playful into their later years, while others begin to show signs of slowing down—physically or mentally.
As a general guide:
Small dogs and cats are considered senior around age 7–10
Larger breed dogs may begin showing signs earlier, around age 6–8
Knowing what’s normal for your pet’s age helps you spot when something’s off.
2. Make Your Home Comfortable and Accessible
As pets get older, they often experience joint stiffness, reduced mobility, or difficulty navigating their usual environment.
Help them by:
Providing soft, orthopaedic bedding
Using ramps or stairs for sofas, beds, or cars
Placing litter trays or water bowls in easier-to-reach spots
Using non-slip mats on hard floors to prevent slipping
Avoiding sudden layout changes that may confuse senior pets
A few thoughtful changes can make a big difference in comfort and confidence.
3. Adjust Diet and Nutrition
Older pets often have changing dietary needs. Some may lose weight, while others may gain due to reduced activity.
Tips for feeding senior pets:
Choose a senior-formulated diet tailored to their needs
Consider adding joint supplements (glucosamine, omega-3s)
Monitor appetite closely — loss of interest in food can be a warning sign
Ensure water is always available, especially if kidney function is a concern
If your pet begins losing weight, vomiting, or avoiding meals, speak to your vet.
4. Encourage Gentle Activity and Mental Enrichment
Your pet may not chase a ball like they used to, but staying engaged and moving is still important.
Take shorter, slower walks for dogs. Try to keep walks consistent avoiding long walks at the weekends and shorter ones in the week, this is hard on creaky joints.
Use puzzle feeders or scent-based games for cats and dogs
Offer new smells, textures, or toys to stimulate their brain
For indoor cats, consider elevated shelves or sunny window spots
Mental enrichment helps prevent anxiety, confusion, and depression in older pets.
5. Stay Proactive About Health
Routine vet visits become even more valuable as pets age. Early detection can significantly improve quality of life.
Ask your vet about:
Twice-yearly checkups for senior pets
Monitoring weight, blood pressure, and organ function
Managing pain from arthritis or chronic conditions
Treating dental disease — a common but often overlooked source of pain
Don’t wait for obvious signs of illness. Subtle changes may indicate something more serious.
6. Watch for the Signs That Comfort Is Declining
Even with the best care, there will come a time when your pet starts to show signs of decline. It's important to be honest with yourself and gentle with them.
Look for:
Difficulty walking or standing
Incontinence or confusion
Loss of appetite
No longer enjoying interactions or activities
Seeming withdrawn, anxious, or “not quite there”
These signs don’t always mean the end is immediate, but they do signal that your pet may need palliative care—or a peaceful goodbye.
7. Know That Kindness Includes Letting Go
Caring for a pet in old age includes knowing when to stop prolonging life and start protecting comfort. It's not easy—but it’s one of the most loving things you can do.
In-home euthanasia offers a calm, gentle alternative when the time comes. There’s no clinical stress, no fear—just love, privacy, and peace. Many owners find deep comfort in knowing their pet passed where they felt safest.
Quality of life tool
To assist you in making an accurate assessment of your pet’s health, I have created an online tool. This tool will asks you to answer specific questions related to each area of concern. It takes about 5 minutes and will provide you with a recommendation according to the answers you provide.
You’re not Alone
Whether you’re navigating the day-to-day of senior pet care or starting to wonder if it’s time to say goodbye, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. I’m here to listen, guide, and support you through every stage of your pet’s life—including the final one.
